A Centerville woman was arrested after police say she repeatedly whipped a child with a belt, causing multiple injuries.
52-year-old Kathryn McDonald was charged with child endangerment – bodily injury, a Class D felony.
On October 26th at approximately 11:30 PM, court records say McDonald used a belt to whip a male juvenile at a residence on the 200 block of South 15th Street. The child’s two siblings reportedly told authorities that McDonald whipped their brother around 20 times with the belt.
Court documents say the victim told an officer from the Centerville Police Department that McDonald whipped him on his right ear, the back of his head, and down his left shoulder and arm and had injuries consistent with his statement. The victim also reportedly told the officer that McDonald hit him with a bag containing applesauce and the officer noted dried applesauce in the victim’s hair.
When talking with law enforcement, McDonald admitted to whipping the child because he spilled cereal on the floor and she “lost control,” according to the criminal complaint. The victim and his three siblings allegedly told the officer that McDonald was a violent person and they were afraid of her.
McDonald was arrested and transported to the Appanoose County Jail. She’s been ordered not to have any contact with any of the four juveniles.
